The Modern Mystic League
MARCH 2026
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
Woodlands church hall was thronged with eager participants for our sale and auction. It was the largest turn-out of people so far this year, two thirds being either country members or non-members. It was good to see again some old, familiar faces, and also to meet a potential new member.
The selling of around 800 items began briskly, with Roger Woods and Brian Berry in charge of the hammer and Allan Clarke collecting the money.
There were some bargains, with the five-volume Giobbi set of books, in pristine condition, going for £50 – and one bidder alone took away a huge batch of books for around £300!
At the other end of the scale, hundreds of manuscripts (containing many hidden gems) went out of the door once people realised that they could grab a handful for just £1.
The selling of around 800 items began briskly, with Roger Woods and Brian Berry in charge of the hammer and Allan Clarke collecting the money.
There were some bargains, with the five-volume Giobbi set of books, in pristine condition, going for £50 – and one bidder alone took away a huge batch of books for around £300!
At the other end of the scale, hundreds of manuscripts (containing many hidden gems) went out of the door once people realised that they could grab a handful for just £1.
GRAND AUCTION OF MAGIC
A similar selling tactic was used with the lots of general magic, and again these went quickly. There were some good props, with Cardiographic and the Jumbo Mental Epic from Astor going for reasonable prices, along with a dancing handkerchief and a beautiful coloured set of multiplying billiard balls.
One surprise on the day was that, having spent some time getting the Anverdi Rising Card apparatus working, Roger discovered a second identical prop hidden in an unassuming jumbo card box.
Everything of real value was sold at a reasonable price, so all the bidders seemed to go home happy.
The President concluded the session by thanking all involved, including the ‘runners’ and helpers, and complimenting Craig and Francesca for providing another superlative array of refreshments.
Brian Lead
One surprise on the day was that, having spent some time getting the Anverdi Rising Card apparatus working, Roger discovered a second identical prop hidden in an unassuming jumbo card box.
Everything of real value was sold at a reasonable price, so all the bidders seemed to go home happy.
The President concluded the session by thanking all involved, including the ‘runners’ and helpers, and complimenting Craig and Francesca for providing another superlative array of refreshments.
Brian Lead
